1. Big Bang Theory (S1Ep1) [12 points]
Watch the clip. What are 4 reasons the Sheldon’s spot on the couch is the best.
In the winter, it is close to the radiator, but not too close.
In the summer, it is in a cross current created by two open windows.
It faces the TV at a good angle but not too directly which would discourage conversation, and also not too wide which would create a parallax distortion of the picture.
2. Suits (S1Ep1) [18 points]
There are many negative terms in this clip. Listen to the clip and find words or phrases that accomplish the following (you may need to change the grammar to make the sentence correct).
Louis claims that Jessica has disrespected him:
… but it’s just so patronizing that Jessica thinks that Harvey can handle _ those things … [3]
Two ways that Harvey insults Louis:
Harvey claims Louis is a bully_. [2]
Harvey claims that he slept with Louis's wife last night _. [3]
Harvey insults the Harvard summer associate (and Harvard lawyers in general) 3 ways:
He is a _douche_ [2]
He can’t _think on his feet_. [3]
He has a rod up his ass. [3]
Louis claims that he deserves a promotion over Harvey because:
Louis’s billables destroy Harvey’s. [3]
Harvey just _swans in and out _ whenever he pleases. [2]
3. South Park (S7Ep12) [15 points]
Assume that you are part of a family that moved into a new neighborhood. Watch the video clip and explain what “rules” can you give for interacting with a neighbor that you just met and he also seems to have a conflict with you?
Greet your neighbor and be friendly. Offer your first name to show you want to have a familiar relationship, but don't push it and respect your neighbor if he wants to be more formal and use last names.
Be hospitable: Invite him inside your home. Treat him to a tasty snack.
Show you are interested in what he does. Compliment him.
If there is a problem, show that you understand his viewpoint. Apologize. Explain how the mistake was made, but still take responsibility and don't use this as an excuse.
Promise to fix the problem if possible.
4. Partners (S1Ep2) [8 or 12 points] 1:55-2:45
Double Entendre is a spoken phrase that has two meanings: one obvious literal meaning, and one subtle indirect meaning. The subtle meaning is usually sexual. Listen to the clip and explain 2 ways in which what Joe said can have an unintentional second sexual interpretation. (There are 3 examples total. Just explain 2 of them. Bonus if you can explain all 3.)
Hard time saying no: implies that she is "easy" and will have sex with anyone who asks, but said no to Joe.
She is a giving person: Giving yourself to someone can be a euphemism for having sex. For example, "She gave herself to him." or "She gave him her virginity." or "She gave him everything."
Hard time blowing anyone off: Allusion to a blow job = oral sex
If you talk to her I'm screwed: screwed means in trouble or have sex.
5. The New Girl (S2Ep25) [12 points]
Schmidt claims that Nick is changing himself for Jess. What is the “real” nick supposed to be like? Find 4 features of the “real” Nick.
Doesn't wear fancy suits, doesn't wear deodorant, won't carry a woman's purse, will help in any sabotage pranks
6. Two Broke Girls (S1Ep1) [13 points]
Fill in the missing words in the script and then explain the joke that Earl makes: Max: Oh, look, The Arcade Fire concert just let out across the street, good luck with that. Caroline: She's coming back, right? She's not gonna leave me here alone with a restaurant full of people?
Earl: Let me put it to you this way. You might as well be a _night _maid at the Schwarzenegger house.
You _got_ screwed.
Now explain the joke:
Arnold Schwarzenegger slept with one of the maids at his house, got her pregnant, and then had the child come by the house very often. His wife treated the child really nicely. After the child was grown, his wife found out that her husband had had an affair with the maid. She divorced her husband as a result.
The joke comes from the fact that screwed has two meanings as seen in question 6.
7. Batman: The Animated Series (S1Ep17) [10 points]
In this clip there is a conversation between the wealthy well-educated Bruce Wayne and the more working class Harvey Dent. During the conversation, the two men discuss a number of topics but Bruce speaks more formally while Harvey uses slang to express the same ideas. Find 3 pairs of words or phrases that show this formal/slang combination.
Discussing Harvey’s feelings:
Harvey says: He just flew off the handle
Bruce says: Harvey lost his temper
Discussing a profession:
Bruce says: Psychiatrist
Harvey says: Shrink
Discussing Harvey’s request:
Harvey says: Keep it under your hat
Bruce says: He knows how to keep a secret
8. Drop Dead Diva__ (S1Ep1) [12 points]
You are on the jury. The expert witness states that the drug is safe and effective and has been approved by the government for 20 years. Based on the evidence presented in the trial, give reasons why you should rule against the drug company.
The expert witness is biased and could be financially motivated to protect the drug company since he is being paid by the company. (And this can allow him to afford his expensive suits.)
There are odd side effects associated with the drug like: Sleep walking, sleeping eating, having sex while asleep
There are cases where the odd behavior crossed into dangerous territory: A woman opened a door to a stranger and got raped, and another man jumped to his death while on the drug.
The study that claims that the drug is safe and not connected to hallucinations and suicide was paid for by the drug company and never submitted for unbiased peer review. Therefore, it is not reliable evidence for the drug's safety.
Watch the clip. What are 4 reasons the Sheldon’s spot on the couch is the best.
In the winter, it is close to the radiator, but not too close.
In the summer, it is in a cross current created by two open windows.
It faces the TV at a good angle but not too directly which would discourage conversation, and also not too wide which would create a parallax distortion of the picture.
2. Suits (S1Ep1) [18 points]
There are many negative terms in this clip. Listen to the clip and find words or phrases that accomplish the following (you may need to change the grammar to make the sentence correct).
Louis claims that Jessica has disrespected him:
… but it’s just so patronizing that Jessica thinks that Harvey can handle _ those things … [3]
Two ways that Harvey insults Louis:
Harvey claims Louis is a bully_. [2]
Harvey claims that he slept with Louis's wife last night _. [3]
Harvey insults the Harvard summer associate (and Harvard lawyers in general) 3 ways:
He is a _douche_ [2]
He can’t _think on his feet_. [3]
He has a rod up his ass. [3]
Louis claims that he deserves a promotion over Harvey because:
Louis’s billables destroy Harvey’s. [3]
Harvey just _swans in and out _ whenever he pleases. [2]
3. South Park (S7Ep12) [15 points]
Assume that you are part of a family that moved into a new neighborhood. Watch the video clip and explain what “rules” can you give for interacting with a neighbor that you just met and he also seems to have a conflict with you?
Greet your neighbor and be friendly. Offer your first name to show you want to have a familiar relationship, but don't push it and respect your neighbor if he wants to be more formal and use last names.
Be hospitable: Invite him inside your home. Treat him to a tasty snack.
Show you are interested in what he does. Compliment him.
If there is a problem, show that you understand his viewpoint. Apologize. Explain how the mistake was made, but still take responsibility and don't use this as an excuse.
Promise to fix the problem if possible.
4. Partners (S1Ep2) [8 or 12 points] 1:55-2:45
Double Entendre is a spoken phrase that has two meanings: one obvious literal meaning, and one subtle indirect meaning. The subtle meaning is usually sexual. Listen to the clip and explain 2 ways in which what Joe said can have an unintentional second sexual interpretation. (There are 3 examples total. Just explain 2 of them. Bonus if you can explain all 3.)
Hard time saying no: implies that she is "easy" and will have sex with anyone who asks, but said no to Joe.
She is a giving person: Giving yourself to someone can be a euphemism for having sex. For example, "She gave herself to him." or "She gave him her virginity." or "She gave him everything."
Hard time blowing anyone off: Allusion to a blow job = oral sex
If you talk to her I'm screwed: screwed means in trouble or have sex.
5. The New Girl (S2Ep25) [12 points]
Schmidt claims that Nick is changing himself for Jess. What is the “real” nick supposed to be like? Find 4 features of the “real” Nick.
Doesn't wear fancy suits, doesn't wear deodorant, won't carry a woman's purse, will help in any sabotage pranks
6. Two Broke Girls (S1Ep1) [13 points]
Fill in the missing words in the script and then explain the joke that Earl makes:
Max: Oh, look, The Arcade Fire concert just let out across the street, good luck with that.
Caroline: She's coming back, right? She's not gonna leave me here alone with a restaurant full of people?
Earl: Let me put it to you this way. You might as well be a _night _maid at the Schwarzenegger house.
You _got_ screwed.
Now explain the joke:
Arnold Schwarzenegger slept with one of the maids at his house, got her pregnant, and then had the child come by the house very often. His wife treated the child really nicely. After the child was grown, his wife found out that her husband had had an affair with the maid. She divorced her husband as a result.
The joke comes from the fact that screwed has two meanings as seen in question 6.
7. Batman: The Animated Series (S1Ep17) [10 points]
In this clip there is a conversation between the wealthy well-educated Bruce Wayne and the more working class Harvey Dent. During the conversation, the two men discuss a number of topics but Bruce speaks more formally while Harvey uses slang to express the same ideas. Find 3 pairs of words or phrases that show this formal/slang combination.
Discussing Harvey’s feelings:
Harvey says: He just flew off the handle
Bruce says: Harvey lost his temper
Discussing a profession:
Bruce says: Psychiatrist
Harvey says: Shrink
Discussing Harvey’s request:
Harvey says: Keep it under your hat
Bruce says: He knows how to keep a secret
8. Drop Dead Diva__ (S1Ep1) [12 points]
You are on the jury. The expert witness states that the drug is safe and effective and has been approved by the government for 20 years. Based on the evidence presented in the trial, give reasons why you should rule against the drug company.
The expert witness is biased and could be financially motivated to protect the drug company since he is being paid by the company. (And this can allow him to afford his expensive suits.)
There are odd side effects associated with the drug like: Sleep walking, sleeping eating, having sex while asleep
There are cases where the odd behavior crossed into dangerous territory: A woman opened a door to a stranger and got raped, and another man jumped to his death while on the drug.
The study that claims that the drug is safe and not connected to hallucinations and suicide was paid for by the drug company and never submitted for unbiased peer review. Therefore, it is not reliable evidence for the drug's safety.